The Edmundite Missions will be hosting its annual Community Christmas Party Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the group’s Bosco Nutrition Center on Broad Street,

The event will provide free photos with Santa Claus, as well as a free toy and sack lunch, for all children under the age of 18.

Though the group has been celebrating Christmas with the Selma community for 80 years, this is only the fourth year that it has celebrated an official Christmas party.

“Four years ago I decided I really wanted to do something concrete to celebrate the holiday with those we serve,” said Missions President and CEO Chad McEachern. “This event and our Community Festival in June are like family reunions for us and we love to provide a safe place for all those we serve, especially the kids, to come and fellowship.”

McEachern said the event has continued to grow over the years – about 500 children attended the first year and 1,700 attended last year.

“This year, with everything going on downtown on the 15th, I think we could easily see over 2,000,” McEachern said.

The Missions purchased most of the toys and personally wrapped each one and the lunches will be prepared by the group as well.

“Hunger doesn’t take a day off for the holidays, so our Center will always be there to meet the need,” McEachern said.

Along with this community event, the Missions is offering a variety of services to feed those in need and provide shelter for the homeless.

McEachern noted that the group’s efforts to assist the city workers laid off last month continue as well.

“So much is happening in the Missions and not just in Selma but our rural ministry sites as well,” McEachern said. “It is indeed a very busy time. I can empathize with St. Nick trying to deliver all those toys in one night.”